JASIN: At the age of 62, retired headmistress Pawziah Md Ali is proving that age is no barrier to serving the community, especially in helping those in need.
Residing in Duyong, Pawziah refuses to let her age hinder her efforts. Together with her friends, she has initiated a project to sell second-hand clothing to raise funds for a food donation programme aimed at supporting less fortunate university students.
Since retiring about three years ago, Pawziah, along with a group of retirees, traders, and self-employed individuals, has taken the opportunity to engage in volunteer activities. They have also collaborated with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to amplify their impact.
Pawziah explained that their initiative involves selling second-hand clothes priced between RM5 to RM10, with all proceeds dedicated to purchasing food to be distributed to students in need.
She emphasised that the clothing sold is sourced from public donations and is carefully selected to ensure it is suitable for use.
"We do not collect donations directly. Instead, we generate funds through sales so that this initiative can be sustainable,” she told reporters.
She noted that even though the effort is on a small scale, it significantly alleviates the financial burden on students struggling to afford food.
"There are students who have to ration their meals or go hungry because their funds are insufficient. This situation motivates us to help, within our means. As mothers, we cannot bear to see them in such circumstances,” she said.
Pawziah added that the second-hand clothing sales began at the end of last December, with the aim of launching a food donation programme during Ramadan.
"This initiative not only benefits the students but also provides a sense of fulfillment to the volunteers who are involved in giving back to the community,” she added. - Bernama
